About
Patients Come First is a national patient advocacy organization that will fight against policies that create barriers for patients and cause delays in innovation.
Unfortunately, today’s healthcare system often prioritizes the desires of special interests over ensuring patients can access the advanced and innovative medical care available in our healthcare system. From large insurers taking advantage of programs designed to help patients get access to medicines and care to government policies that stifle innovation and hope for those with chronic illnesses, the current system simply does not work for patients.
Without dedicated voices speaking up on behalf of patients and consumers, obstacles will go unchecked and continue to stand in the way. To that end, PCF will maintain a network of executive directors nationwide to advocate for patients at the grassroots level.
Meet our National Spokesperson
Kasia Mulligan
Kasia brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and policy reform to Patients Come First. Her expertise spans both the public and private sectors, with a proven track record of shaping policy narratives and driving impactful change within the health care sector. Kasia's commitment to policy reform began at nationally recognized public policy think tanks managing innovative research initiatives and expanded to leading strategic communications and advocacy campaigns on the state and federal levels for a leading public affairs firm. She served as communications director and national spokesperson in the United States Senate and later established a public affairs consultancy practice. Her combined expertise in communications, policy development, and relationship building make her a powerful advocate for patients and their families.
Meet our Executive Directors
California Executive Director - Julie Gill Shuffield
Julie is a lifelong Californian and committed to advocacy that makes her community and work better for women and children. Residing in rural Northern California has given her a unique perspective on the challenges of access to care and resources. Julie has been nationally recognized as a trailblazer and mentor in the energy sector and received the Congressional Woman of the Year distinction for her championing of infrastructure and community service. She will be bringing this level of grassroots advocacy to Patients Come First to make national and statewide policies and protections accessible to all.
jshuffield@patientscomefirst.com
Missouri Executive Director - Connie Farrow
Connie has a unique combination of experience in public relations, patient advocacy and journalism, making her a trusted leader who is able to advance people’s understanding of complex issues and unite citizens around a common cause. She is a lifelong Missourian and has proudly been on the front lines of healthcare reform and representing patient and consumer voices on issues related to access, affordability and equity.
cfarrow@patientscomefirst.com
New Jersey Executive Director - Jeanette Hoffman
Jeanette is an experienced public affairs consultant and media spokesperson specializing in strategic messaging, marketing, crisis communications, and public affairs campaigns. As president of a public affairs firm that services a broad range of corporate and non-profit clients, she has over two decades of experience in issues advocacy, campaigns, politics, policy, and state government. Jeanette is also a media commentator who can be seen on national television and radio stations discussing politics and public policy.
jhoffman@patientscomefirst.com